Quote:
Originally Posted by robmix
I think you are over simplifying things quite a bit.
I understand the economics behind gear. I know a stork just doesn't drop it off on my doorstep
I'm saying as far as
my priorities go, being able to make rent, buy groceries, and have a beer with friends every now and then rates higher than "buying gear new" because that's what
men do.
I really believe that there are enough buyers within the niche to support it. And actually, one could argue that nothing is hurt. Think about it this way:
Scenario 1) X amount of "pro" engineers and hobbyists with disposable income buy new.
Scenario 2) X amount of "pro" engineers and hobbyists with disposable income still buy new, and people with hardly any money to spare buy 2nd hand gear.
I don't think a used market necessarily has to compromise the financial stability or gear makers, and can help by showing people that certain gear is worth investing in.
And if we look at is investments, the argument "always try to buy new" breaks down, because the logical end is that you can't sell your used gear (since, real men are buying it new). So, you end up with a locker full of gear you bought new, tried for a few months, and just don't have a use for it. So because of your principles, money is locked up in items that are not being used. That is a poor investment strategy -- that is, unless you can sell to someone willing to buy used.
I never said gear manufacturers were rich. They're trying to survive, just like me. And it's not that I think anyone is particularly greedy. I'm just saying that in terms of
my economy, a box of parts isn't worth $2000 if I can find one for half that price. Let's not kid ourselves. We live in a capitalist world, and its mantra is thus:
Get the most you can for the least amount of money.
Check the label on the back of your shirt. We're all billboards for the "I want the world and want to spend as little as possible for it" mentality.